ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Agriculture Investment Portal
The government has started the development of Agriculture Investment Portal named “KrishiNivesh” on 5th Dec 2022 to boost the agriculture investment in the country. The portal is under development. KrishiNivesh Portal is being developed as an Integrated, centralized one stop Portal for all Agri- investors to avail benefits from various Government schemes.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare  is promoting ‘mainstreaming of gender concerns in agriculture’. The Guidelines of the Scheme namely Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization, National Project on Soil Health and Fertility, National Food Security Mission, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna, National Mission on Oil Seeds and Oil Palm, Parampragat Krishi Vikas Yojna, Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material, National Project on Organic Farming, Pradhan Mantri Krishi SinchaiYojna-Per-Drop More Crop, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region, Rainfed Area Development and Climate Change, National Project on Agro-Forestry have provisions for flow of funds and benefits for the women farmers under these Schemes.
Further Agriculture Infrastructure Fund  has unique features of convergence with any other scheme of Central or State government for the eligible activities under AIF. The beneficiaries of other schemes can avail 3% additional interest subvention on top of benefits availed under other scheme in form of capital or interest subsidy. Convergence has so far been implemented in AIF portal for schemes like PMFME and PMKSY under Ministry of Food Processing Industries, National horticulture board, PMKUSUM under MoNRE, AC&ABC etc. The convergence is also being taken up for integration with other schemes like GOBARDHAN of M/o Jal Shakti, Ministry of Cooperatives and other ministries and also with state governments.
Besides, trainings are being imparted to women farmers under various schemes of MoA&FW which include ATMA scheme, Cooperative Education Field Projects  of DAC&FW; Krishi Vigyan Kendras  of DARE, ICAR and Entrepreneurship Development and Employment Generation  under Sub-Mission on Livestock Development of DAHD.
The EDEG supports activities related to poultry, small ruminants, rabbit rearing, piggery etc. which are mainly taken up by women. Special skill training courses in agriculture and allied sectors are also being conducted for farmers including women farmers through KVKs, National Training Institutions of DAC & FW and State Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institute across the country. All these steps are aimed at building capacities and capabilities of farm women to adopt improved agricultural practices to get better returns.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
The Government of India and JICA sign Loan Agreements on Japan’s Official Development Assistance Loan to India
The Loan Agreements were signed here today in New Delhi between the Government of India and JICA, New Delhi under Japanese Official Development Assistance Loan Program. The Loan Agreements were signed by Dr. C.S. Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India and Mr. Katsuo Matsumoto, Chief Representative, JICA, New Delhi on Japanese Official Development Assistance Loan for the  Project for the Construction of Chennai Peripheral Ring Road  for JPY 40.074 billion , and  Program for Japan-India Cooperative Actions towards Sustainable Development Goals in India for JPY 15.000 billion .
The Project for the Construction of Chennai Peripheral Ring Road  aims to meet increasing traffic demands in Chennai metropolitan area by constructing the Chennai Peripheral Ring Road  and installing Intelligent Transport Systems, thereby contributing to mitigation of Traffic Congestion and promoting Regional Economic Development.
The Program for Japan-India Cooperative Actions towards Sustainable Development Goals  in India aims to contribute to promotion of SDGs in India especially in social development by supporting the efforts by the Government of India to strengthen the Policy Framework and Implementation Mechanism, thereby supporting India in achieving SDGs by 2030.
India and Japan have had a long and fruitful history of Bilateral Development Cooperation since 1958. In the last few years, the Economic Cooperation between India and Japan has steadily progressed. This further consolidates and strengthens the Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Suresh Prabhu meets visiting South Korean Trade Minister
Suresh Prabhu and South Korean Trade Minister at the signing of early harvest package
Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation and Mr. Kim Hyun-chong, the Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy, Republic of Korea, had a meeting over breakfast today morning at the Commerce Minister’s residence in New Delhi. The Ministers reviewed the progress of India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement  upgradation negotiations and had an extensive discussion on trade and economic cooperation issues between the two countries.
The Ministers shared the view that both countries should strive towards achieving additional liberalization by upgrading CEPA in such a way that reflects the various interests and sensitivities of each side. They agreed that both sides should promote a favorable trade environment in which India and Korea may enjoy the benefits under the India-Korea CEPA.
Both the Ministers expressed their satisfaction on the signing of the Joint Statement on Early Harvest Package in the India-Korea CEPA upgradation. In the last meeting held in 2017, three deliverables were identified: early harvest package of CEPA, forming futures strategy group to jointly harness fourth generation technology and innovative products and trade remedies MOU. All three deliverables have been realized today.
Ministry of Defence
ADMIRAL M SHAHEEN IQBAL, CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF, BANGLADESH NAVY, VISIT TO INDIA
Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal, Chief of Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy, is on an official visit to India, from 23 – 29 Oct 21. At New Delhi, Admiral Shaheen Iqbal will interact with the Chief of Naval Staff, in addition to the Chief of Defence Staff and other high ranking Gol officials. During the bilateral interactions, issues relating to joint cooperative efforts like Coordinated Patrol along International Maritime Boundary Line, bilateral exercise BONGOSAGAR, conduct of naval training and reciprocal visits of delegations would be discussed.
On completion of engagements in Delhi, Admiral Shaheen Iqbal is scheduled to visit Mumbai, where he will meet with VAdm R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command and visit Flagship of Western Naval Command. On completion of Mumbai visit, the Admiral would proceed to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington to witness training activities and interact with Commandant, DSSC.
India and Bangladesh share bonds of history, language, culture and multitudes of other commonalities. The excellent bilateral ties reflect an all- encompassing partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding, that goes beyond strategic ties. India and Bangladesh are jointly celebrating Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Victory in Bangladesh Liberation War and 1971 War this year. A host of joint activities have been conducted which include reciprocal ship visits by both Navies and participation in Republic Day Parade 2021 at New Delhi by Bangladesh Armed Forces Contingent and gifting of WAR memorabilia. During the last quarter of 2021, conduct of Talks by Bangladesh War Veterans at Naval War College & Indian Naval Academy and participation of Indian Armed Forces contingent & Band in ‘Victory Day Celebrations’ in Bangladesh are planned.
ABB/VM/PS
(Visitor Counter : 1363
Prime Minister's Office
PM meets Afghanistan Sikh-Hindu Delegation
Delegates thank PM for supporting them in times of distress and making arrangements to bring them safely from Afghanistan to India
You are not guests but in your own house, India is your home: PM
Delegates thank PM for CAA; term him the Prime Minister of the world
Delegates say that they had tears in their eyes when they heard him talking about making special arrangements to bring back Swaroop of Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan to India with proper reverence
PM assures the Community of continuous support in future to resolve all issues and difficulties
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met members of the Sikh-Hindu Delegation from Afghanistan at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg earlier today. They honoured the Prime Minister and thanked him for bringing Sikhs and Hindus safely to India from Afghanistan.
Prime Minister welcomed the delegation and said that they are not guests but are in their own house, adding that India is their home. He talked about the immense difficulties faced by them in Afghanistan and the help provided by the government to bring them to India safely. In this light, he also talked about the significance of the Citizenship Amendment Act  and its benefits for the community. He assured them of continuous support in future as well to resolve all issues and difficulties faced by them.
Prime Minister also talked about the significance of the tradition of honouring Guru Granth Sahib, in light of which special arrangements were made to bring back Swaroop of Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan. He talked about the immense love that he has received from Afghans over the years and fondly recalled his visit to Kabul.
Shri Manjinder Singh Sirsa thanked the Prime Minister for sending help from India for bringing back the community safely, and said that when no one stood with them, the Prime Minister ensured constant support and timely help. Other members of the delegation also thanked the Prime Minister for standing up for them in times of distress. They said that they had tears in their eyes when they heard him talking about making special arrangements to bring back Swaroop of Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan to India with proper reverence. They also thanked him for bringing about CAA, which will be of immense help for members of their community. They said that he is not just the Prime Minister of India, but the Prime Minister of the world since he understands the difficulties faced especially by Hindus and Sikhs across the world and makes all out efforts to provide immediate help in all such cases. Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri and Union Minister of State Ms. Meenakashi Lekhi were also present on the occasion.
Ministry of Finance
Clarification on continuation of concessional rate of tax on certain interest income of the FPIs
Section 115AD of the Income-tax Act, 1961  inter alia contains provisions for taxation of income of FPIs. Proviso to section 115AD provides that the tax shall be chargeable at the concessional rate of 5% on interest income referred to in section 194LD.
There are reports in certain section of media that the said concessional tax rate of 5% has been withdrawn. It is hereby clarified that there is no change in the said proviso even after amendment of section 115AD vide Taxation and Other Laws  Act, 2020 and the concessional rate of tax of 5% shall continue to be applicable for interest income referred to in section 194LD of the Act.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
8503 Indians return from abroad in 43 flights under Vande Bharat Mission since 7th May 2020
8503 Indians have been flown back to India in 43 inbound flights operated by Air India and Air India Express under Vande Bharat Mission in 6 days beginning from 7th May 2020.
Government of India started Vande Bharat Mission - one of the largest initiatives to repatriate nationals back to India, on 7th May 2020. Under this mission, Ministry of Civil Aviation is coordinating with Ministry of External Affairs and state Governments for bringing Indians back to their homeland.
Air India along with its subsidiary Air India Express are operating a total of 64 flights  to 12 countries viz. USA, UK Bangladesh, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Philippines, UAE and Malaysia to repatriate 14,800 Indians back in the first phase.
Each and every function in this massive air evacuation mission strictly adheres to the safety and hygiene protocol laid down by the Government and DGCA. MoCA, AAI and Air India leave no stone unturned to prioritize the safety of passengers, the crew and ground handling staff in these sensitive medical evacuation missions.
Extensive and meticulous safety arrangements are made in accordance to government guidelines.
UPSC
Lateral Recruitment for Joint Secretary Level/ Director/ Deputy Secretary Level Posts on Contract Basis
Four Joint Secretaries and 16 Directors/ Deputy Secretaries will be inducted through lateral recruitment
As per the requisition received from the Department of Personnel & Training , Government of India, applications are being invited to join the Government at the level of Joint Secretary/ Director/ Deputy Secretary on contract basis in the following Departments/Ministries of the Government: -
- Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Ministry of Civil Aviation
- Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs
- Department of Food & Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
- Ministry of Heavy Industries
- Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
- Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice
- Department of Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
- Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education
Four Joint Secretaries and 16 Directors/ Deputy Secretaries will be inducted through lateral recruitment in the above Ministries/Departments.
The detailed advertisement and instructions to the candidates will be uploaded on the Commission’s website on 20th May 2023. Interested candidates can apply from 20th May 2023 to 19th June 2023.
Candidates will be short-listed for Interview on the basis of the information provided by them in their online application. They must ensure that such information is correct.
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SNC/PK
(Visitor Counter : 3796
Ministry of Communications
Telecom Secretary Shri K. Rajaraman visits Telecommunication Engineering Centre
Inaugurates Public Procurement Policy  portal for Telecom Product
Manufacturers/vendors & other stakeholders can register their grievances and track status of their complaints through the Portal
Nationwide MTCTE Helpdesk and Evaluation Centre infrastructure and Control Lab, also inaugurated
During his visit to Telecommunication Engineering Centre,Shri K. Rajaraman, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications & Chairman, Digital Communication Commission inauguratedthe Public Procurement Policy  portal for Telecom Product. On this portal the manufacturers/vendors & other stakeholders can register their grievances and track the status of their complaints.
Shri K. Rajaraman visited today Telecommunication Engineering Centre along with DCC Member Shri Deepak Chaturvedi, Member  and other senior officers of Department of Telecommunications.
Shri Rajaraman also released the technical report on “Emerging Communication Technologies and Use Cases in IoT Domain”, concept paper on “ Optical Fibre & Cable in Indian Telecom Network” and “TEC Handbook-2021” documented by IoT, Regional TECs and RC Division of TEC respectively.
Thereafter, the Nationwide MTCTE Helpdesk and Evaluation Centre infrastructure and Control Lab, situated in TEC premises were also inaugurated by Secretary  in the presence of Member and other senior officers of TEC. Further, other TEC labs namely IoT Experience Centre, IPV6 and Green Passport lab were also visited and interaction with concerned officers was done.
Secretary appreciated the efforts of TEC officers and emphasised the importance of collaborative approach with various stakeholders while formulating Standards/Specifications/guidelines for a product, keeping consumer protection and needs in mind. He stated that TEC, being a technical body can be a centre for learning for younger officers and may become an incubation centre for startups in long run.
Inauguration of Public Procurement Policy portal for telecom product by Shri K. Rajaraman, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications
Release of TEC Handbook-2021 by Shri K. Rajaraman, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications
Release of Concept Paper on optical fibre and cable by Shri K. Rajaraman, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications
Inauguration of Nationwide MTCTE Helpdesk and Evaluation Centre infrastructure and Control Lab by Shri K. Rajaraman, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications
RKJ/M
(Visitor Counter : 662
Special Service and Features
Department of Posts to conduct a Preparatory Event for International Day of Yoga 2022
Department of Posts, under the Union Ministry of Communications, is organising a Preparatory Event for International Day of Yoga 2022 on 25th April 2022 from 7.30 am to 8.30 am at Talkatora Stadium. New Delhi. In this connection Kerala Postal Circle is conducting a State-level event at the Office of the Chief Postmaster General, Thiruvananthapuram Five iconic places in Kerala are also selected to conduct the event.
The primary goal of this programme is to digitally connect 50.000 post offices to the main event at New Delhi in both online and offline mode. It also aims to increase awareness about Yoga and its benefits to at least 2,50,000 postal staff, families, and citizens. 1615 Post Offices in Kerala Circle will participate in the event.
-NS-
(Visitor Counter : 102
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Board for Skill Development
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana  is the flagship skill training scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship . Under PMKVY 2.0 , a target to train one crore individuals was set. The number of candidates trained is 1.09 crore. Under PMKVY 3.0 , which was launched on 15.01.2021, a target to train 8 lakh individuals has been set. The number of candidates trained so far is 1.2 lakh.
MSDE, vide notification dated 5th December 2018, has set up National Council for Vocational Education and Training  as an overarching regulatory body for the skill eco-system. It is mandated to regulate the functioning of entities engaged in vocational education and training, both long and short-term, and establish minimum standards for the functioning of such entities.
Under PMKVY scheme, various initiatives are taken to ensure better placement outcomes for the trained/ certified candidates. Rojgar Melas are conducted for placement of youth by industry. MSDE has launched Aatmanirbhar Skilled Employees Employer Mapping  portal, which acts as a directory of skilled workforce. The objective is to provide a platform that matches supply of skilled workforce with the market demand, thereby facilitating better livelihood opportunities for youth and availability of ready skilled manpower to employers.
This information was given by Union Minister for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Department of Defence Production waives off Quality Assurance Charges
In a significant move to promote reforms and bring ease of doing business, Department of Defence Production has waived off Quality Assurance  charges levied by the QA Agencies under its administrative control for the stores meant for the exports. This industry friendly initiative would make the defence products cost competitive in global market.
The Ministry of Defence provides proof/testing facility to the industry for their products through its various Proof/Testing establishments to make the Indian Defence Products more competitive in the international market. Charges are levied by the QA Agencies as per the fixed rates and the industry adds this charge to the cost of the products which adversely affect its cost competitiveness. But now these charges have been scrapped.
Ministry of Defence
OCEAN SAILING EXPEDITION ON INDIAN NAVAL SAILING VESSEL  TARINI FOR CAPE TO RIO RACE - 23
INSV Tarini has set sail for an expedition to Cape Town, South Africa for participating in the 50th edition of Cape to Rio Race 2023. This ocean sailing race will be flagged off from Cape Town on 02 Jan 23 and will culminate at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The race is one of the most prestigious Trans-Atlantic ocean races. The expedition is being undertaken by an Indian Navy crew of five officers including two women officers.
During this expedition whilst transiting from Goa to Rio de Janeiro via Cape Town and back, INSV Tarini would be covering a distance of almost 17000nm . The crew, over a period of 5-6 months in this trans-oceanic voyage is expected to face extreme weather and rough sea conditions of the Indian, Atlantic and the Southern oceans.
The expedition aims to train the crew onboard, in essential seamanship skills including Navigation, Communication, Technical, Planning, etc. The expedition is an important milestone in training of the two women officers onboard for undertaking solo circumnavigation sailing expedition of the globe.
Ocean sailing is an extremely tough adventure sport. These Ocean Sailing expeditions help inculcating the spirit of adventure, risk taking abilities whilst also enhancing Indian Navy’s ability to project its benign presence across the globe. Accordingly, Indian Navy has been regularly participating in sailing expeditions like Sagar Parikrama, IONS 10th anniversary and Bay of Bengal sailing expeditions.
INSV Tarini is known for circumnavigating the globe with an all women officer crew in the historic expedition titled ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’ in 2017. In the present expedition, the vessel is being skippered by Capt Atool Sinha with Lt Cdr Ashutosh Sharma, Lt Cdr Dilna K, Lt Cdr Roopa A and SLt Aviral Keshav as the crew.
During this ongoing expedition, a crew turnaround is planned at Rio de Janeiro for the return leg to India. Post the crew turnaround Cdr Nikhil P Hegde will be taking over as skipper with Cdr MA Zulfikar, Cdr Divya Purohit and Cdr Abhishek Doke as crew. Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A will be part of the crew for both legs of the expedition as they are being trained for solo circumnavigation of the globe by woman officer. Under the same training curriculum these women officers also participated in the recent expedition to Mauritius.